Picture frame wall bracket

ABSTRACT

A picture frame wall bracket includes a first component for secure attachment to a rear face of a picture frame. The first component has a pair of side walls that define an open slot formed therebetween. The bracket also includes a second component for secure attachment to a support surface. The second component has a first section for placement against the support surface and a second section that extends outwardly from the first section. The second component includes a retaining element joined to the second section. The retaining element is configured to be received within the open slot formed in the first component and be securely captured within the first component by seating against the side walls and thereby mount the picture frame to the second component and space the picture frame from the support surface.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to frames and hardware for hanging pictures, drawings or the like and in particular, to a picture frame wall bracket that is configured to space the picture frame from a support surface, such as a wall.

BACKGROUND

A picture frame is a housing or structure for a picture, such as a painting or photograph, intended to enhance it, make it easier to display, and/or protect it. Varieties of picture frame structures are in use today or have been suggested for use. Picture frames can come in any number of different shapes and can be formed from any number of different materials. The most common shape of a frame is a rectangle; however, frames can come in other shapes, such as square or oval, etc.

For pieces to be framed under glass, except for the most disposable and inexpensive posters or temporary displays, the glass must be raised off the surface of the paper. This is done by means of matting, a lining of plastic “spacers”, shadowboxing, stacking two moldings with the glass in between, and various other methods. If the paper (or other media) were to touch the glass directly, any condensation inside the glass would absorb directly into the art, having no room to evaporate. This is harmful to almost any medium. It causes art sticking to the glass, mildew, and other ill effects. Raising the glass is also necessary when a piece is done in a loose media such as charcoal or pastel, to prevent smudging. Care should be taken with these works, however, if Plexiglas is used as a static charge can build up which will attract the pigment particles off the paper. Using real glass helps to prevent this. Certain kinds of pieces do not usually need glass when framed, including paintings done in acrylic or oil paint (the former is usually waterproof; the latter actually needs to “breathe” due to the decades-long drying process), tiles, etc.

There are a number of different mounting techniques and assemblies for mounting a framed work to a surface, such as a wall. For example, one common technique involves using picture wire that is strung across the rear of the picture frame. The wire is then hung on a hook or fastener, such as a nail or the like. In addition, a bracket or the like can be attached to the rear of the picture frame and then a fastener, such as a nail or hook, mates with the bracket for hanging the picture frame on a support surface, such as a wall.

In some settings, it is desirable to be able to display a picture frame away from the wall surface and therefore, it is desirable to provide mounting hardware to accomplish this objective.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one embodiment, a picture frame wall bracket includes a first component for secure attachment to a rear face of a picture frame. The first component has a pair of side walls that define an open slot formed therebetween. The bracket also includes a second component for secure attachment to a support surface. The second component has a first section for placement against the support surface and a second section that extends outwardly from the first section. The second component includes a retaining element joined to the second section. The retaining element is configured to be received within the open slot formed in the first component and be securely captured within the first component by seating against the side walls and thereby mount the picture frame to the second component and space the picture frame from the support surface.

In another embodiment, a picture frame assembly includes a picture frame having a rear face. The assembly includes a first bracket component in the form of a first plate that is securely mounted to the rear face. The first plate has a pair of side walls that define an open slot formed therebetween. The assembly also includes a second bracket component for secure attachment to a support surface. The second component has a first section for placement against the support surface and a second section that extends outwardly from the first section. The second bracket component includes a retaining plate joined to the second section. The retaining plate is configured to be received within the open slot formed in the first plate and be securely captured within the first plate by seating against the side walls and thereby mount the picture frame to the second bracket component and space the picture frame from the support surface.

These and other aspects, features and advantages shall be apparent from the accompanying Drawings and description of certain embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front and side exploded perspective view of the components of a picture frame bracket in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is cross-sectional view of the picture frame bracket in an engaged position;

FIG. 3 is a top view of an arm component of the picture frame bracket;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the arm of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a rear elevation view of a plate component of the picture frame wall bracket of FIG. 1 attached to a rear of a picture frame;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a first step for securely attaching the plate component to the arm component that is secured to a support surface;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a second step showing the plate component fully secured and in an engaged position relative to the arm, whereby the picture frame is hung from the support surface;

FIG. 8 is a rear elevation view of a metal picture frame;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a first step for securely attaching the metal picture frame of FIG. 8 to the arm component that is secured to a support surface;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a second step showing the metal picture frame fully secured and in an engaged position relative to the arm, whereby the picture frame is hung from the support surface;

FIG. 11 is a front and side perspective view of the picture frame mounted to the support surface with other frame members (corner samples) disposed behind the picture frame against the support surface; and

FIG. 12 is side elevation view of an arm component according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 11 shows a picture frame 100 mounted to a support surface 10, which in this case is a vertical wall. In accordance with the present invention, the picture frame 100 is displayed away from the vertical wall 10. There are many reasons why it may be desirable for the picture frame 100 to be displayed away from the wall 10. For example, one reason is that placing the picture frame 100 such that it is spaced from the wall 10 can provide a more visually striking appearance. Thus, this type of appearance can provide a decorative look. In addition, in certain commercial applications, spacing the picture frame 100 from the wall 10 is necessary or desirable in order to accommodate other objects that are disposed along the same wall 10 in close proximity to the picture frame 100.

For example and as shown in FIG. 11, a commercial frame shop typically displays frame samples 20 along vertical wall 10 so as to allow a customer the ability to easily view all of the possible frames to choose from. The samples 20 are typically grouped according to some criteria. For example, certain samples 20 can be grouped according to the frame type (e.g., metal or wood); frame style; and/or frame color to allow a potential customer to more easily view and compare different frame samples 20. For ease of space and convenience, a complete frame is not displayed but rather only a portion of the frame is displayed and in particular, it is commonplace to display a frame corner (L-shaped) as the sample 20. As shown, a number of L-shaped samples 20 can be stacked adjacent one another and arranged relative to other L-shaped samples 20 so as to maximize the available space.

The corner samples 20 are typically removably attached to the vertical 10 to not only permit display of the samples 20 but to allow them to be readily removed and given to a customer so that the customer can view certain prospective samples 20 as a group and otherwise evaluate the quality of the sample 20. For example, a rear surface of the corner sample 20 can include a first fastener and the wall 10 includes a complementary second fastener that mates with the first fastener. The first and second fasteners can be in the form of hook and loop material that permits the sample 20 to be removably attached to the wall 10.

In accordance with the present invention and as shown in FIGS. 1-7, a picture frame wall bracket 200 is provided for displaying the picture frame 100 away from the vertical wall 10 (FIG. 8). The picture frame wall bracket 200 includes a first component 300 that is associated with the picture frame 100 and a second component 400 that is associated with the wall 10. The first component 300 is a plate or bracket that is securely attached to a rear surface (face) 110 of the picture frame 100.

It will be appreciated that in this embodiment, the picture frame 100 is a wooden picture frame.

The plate 300 is an elongate member that has a first end 302, an opposing second end 304, a first face 306 and an opposing second face 308. The plate 300 has a vertical wall 310 that defines the first face 306 and the second face 308. The plate 300 includes first and second side walls 320, 330 that extend outwardly from the first face 306 of the vertical wall 310 along an upper edge thereof and along a lower edge thereof, respectively. The exemplary first and second side walls 320, 330 are formed at right angles to the vertical wall 310. A space (slot) 349 is formed between the two side walls 320, 330 with the slot being open at one or more of the ends 302, 304.

At free ends of the first and second side walls 320, 330, an inwardly directed lip 325 is formed. The inwardly directed lips 325 thus face one another and are preferably coplanar and formed in a plane that is parallel to the plane containing the vertical wall 310. The space 349 (slot) is also formed between the two inwardly directed lips 325.

The exemplary plate 300 is thus in the form of a C-shaped plate or bracket.

A fastener 350 is used to mount the plate 300 to the rear face 110 of the picture frame 100. The fasteners 350 extend through openings 315 formed in the vertical wall 310 and in the illustrated embodiment, there are two openings 315 to receive two fasteners 350. The plate 300 is mounted such that the upper edge and lower edge are at least substantially parallel to a top edge 105 of the frame 100.

The plate 300 is mounted to the rear face 110 by placing the flat second face 308 against the rear face 110 and therefore, the side walls 320, 330 extend outwardly from the picture frame 100.

The plate 300 is designed to be easily attached to a wood frame 100 and more particularly, the plate 300 can be easily attached to wood molding of the frame 100 using one or more fasteners, such as screws 350.

In the illustrated embodiment, the plate 300, as well as the second component 400, are formed of a metal material. The second component 400 can be designed to be stamped from a single piece of sheet metal and then folded as described herein to form the illustrated construction.

The second component 400 is in the form of an arm that mounts to the wall 10. The arm 400 has a number of different sections and in particular, the arm 400 includes a first section 410 that seats against and is mounted to the wall 10. The arm 400 includes a second section 420 that is in the form of an extension (arm) 420 that protrudes outwardly from the first section 410. For example, the second section 420 can be formed at a right angle relative to the first section 410. The second section 420 of the arm 400 has a first end 422 and an opposing second end 424, with the first end 422 being attached to the first section 410. The arm 400 also includes a third section 430 that is a bent section relative to the second section 420. The third section 430 is formed at the second end 424 and is formed at an angle relative to the second section 420.

It will be appreciated that the second component 400 can be formed of a single cut piece of material that includes score lines (fold lines) that permit the piece to be bent to form the second and third sections 420, 430, as well as the fourth section 440. In particular, the second section 420 is bent relative to the first section 410 (e.g., formed at a right angle relative thereto) and a third section 430 that is bent relative to the second section 420 (e.g., formed at a right angle relative thereto). The first and third sections 410, 430 can thus be formed so as to be in at least substantially parallel planes.

The bracket 200 also includes a fourth section (e.g., retaining (bracket) plate) 440 that is joined to the third section 430. For example, the fourth section 440 can be formed by folding the fourth section at a fold line 431 that permits the fourth section 440 to be folded back on top of the third section 430 (however, the length of the fourth section 440 can be greater than the third section 430 so as to extend beyond the third section 430). The fourth section 440 is the component of the arm 400 that is configured to mate with and engage the plate 300. The fourth section 440 is a bent structure that has a top edge 442 and a bottom edge 444 and includes at least one bent portion 445 formed therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, the fourth section 440 is formed of a lower section 446 and an upper section 447 with the bent portion 445 extending between and connecting the two sections 446, 447 together. In the illustrated embodiment, the bent portion 445 is a connecting section that is formed at an angled relative to the other sections 446, 447 so as to represent an inclined ramp or surface therebetween. The sections 446, 447 can be located in parallel planes.

FIG. 12 shows the bent portion 445 according to a different embodiment in that the bent portion 445 is formed at a right angle relative to both the lower section 446 and the upper section 447. In FIG. 1, the bent portion 445 is formed at an angle other than 90 degrees relative to the sections 446, 447.

The shape and dimensions of the retaining plate 440 are complementary to the frame plate 300 and in particular, the retaining plate 440 is designed to be received within the space 349 formed in the frame plate 300. More specifically, the retaining plate 440 is generally rectangular in shape and has a length that is designed to be received within the space 349 so that it is captured between the side walls 320, 330 and also is contained in place by the inwardly directed lips 325. The lips 325 prevent the frame plate 300 from being rearwardly displaced from the space 349 that contains and holds the frame plate 300.

In one embodiment, the retaining plate 440 has a width of about 1.5 inches and the distance from the underside of the bent portion 445 to edge 444 is about 1 inch. The height of the first section 410 can be about 4 inches and the distance from the exposed front face of the retaining plate 440 to the first section 410 is about 2.75 inches.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, it will be appreciated that the frame plate 300 is matingly engaged with the bracket 200 by slidingly inserting a portion of the retaining plate 440 into the space 349 as by inserting the top edge 442 of the retaining plate 440 into the slot 349 that is formed in the attached plate 300. In particular, the top edge 442 is first inserted into the slot 349 that is formed between the lips 325 and then the top edge 442 is moved into contact with the side wall 320 on the backside of the lip 325. Once the top edge 442 is captured, the picture frame 100 can be pivoted toward the support surface 10 so as to place the other lip 325 into contact with the section 446 of the retaining plate 440 below the bent portion 445. In this manner, a portion of the retaining plate 440 is internally within the frame plate 300, while another portion of the retaining plate 440 is located along the exterior of the frame plate 300.

In use, the second component 400 is mounted to the wall 10 using conventional fasteners 413. For example, the first section 410 includes openings 411 that receive fasteners 413, such as screws or nails. The first section 410 is thus placed against the wall 10 and then fasteners 413 are received within openings 411. The first section 410 is thus vertically oriented relative to the wall 10 and the second section 420 is at least substantially horizontally oriented relative to the wall 10.

It will be appreciated that the length of the second section 420 determines how far the frame 100 is spaced from the wall 10. More specifically, the greater the length of the second section 420, the greater the distance that the frame 100 is spaced from the wall 10.

When the retaining plate 440 and frame plate 300 are mated together, the picture frame 100 is securely hung from the wall 10 in a level manner.

All of the sections of the second component 400 can be formed in a common manufacturing technique, such as a forging or die cut process as described herein and then. The bracket 200 can also come in any number of different colors, such as black, bronze, gold, etc.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the picture frame bracket 200 permits the picture frame 100 to be displayed away (spaced from) the wall 10 and thus permit the frame 100 to be displayed over other objects that are coupled to the same wall 10. For example and as shown in FIG. 11, in a picture frame store, the mounted picture frame 100 can be disposed over and in front of sample frames 20.

The bracket 200 can thus be used individually or in multiples to create groupings with an overlapping/layered effect.

FIGS. 8-10 show another embodiment in which a metal frame 101 is used instead of the wood frame 100. The difference is that with metal frames 101, a channel structure 103 is formed along the border of the metal frame 101. As shown in the figures, the channel structure 103 can be C-shaped and therefore is identical or similar to the C-shaped bracket 300. In this case, the channel structure 103 is defined by opposing side walls 105 that terminate with inwardly directed lips 107. In this embodiment, the bracket 300 is not used but instead, the arm component 400 directly engages the metal picture frame 101 and in particular, directly engages the channel structure 103. The steps of inserting the section 447 into the channel structure 103 and then letting the frame 101 seat against the section 446. The other advantages discussed herein are also realized in this embodiment in that the metal frame 101 is spaced from the wall 10.

While the invention has been described in connection with certain embodiments thereof, the invention is capable of being practiced in other forms and using other materials and structures. Accordingly, the invention is defined by the recitations in the claims appended hereto and equivalents thereof. 

1. A picture frame wall bracket comprising: a first component for secure attachment to a rear face of a picture frame, the first component having a pair of side walls that define an open slot formed therebetween; and a second component for secure attachment to a support surface, the second component having a first section for placement against the support surface and a second section that extends outwardly from the first section, wherein the second component includes a retaining element that is joined to the second section, the retaining element being configured to be received within the open slot formed in the first component and be securely captured within the first component by seating against the side walls and thereby mount the picture frame to the second component and space the picture frame from the support surface.
 2. The picture frame wall bracket of claim 1, wherein the first component comprises a C-shaped plate.
 3. The picture frame wall bracket of claim 2, wherein the C-shaped plate has a vertical wall and the side walls are spaced from one another and protrude outwardly from the vertical wall, each free end of the side wall having an inwardly directed lip, the slot being defined between the vertical wall, side walls and the inwardly directed lips.
 4. The picture frame wall bracket of claim 3, wherein the slot is open at both ends of the C-shaped plate and a distance of the slot as measured between the inwardly directed lips is sufficient to permit at least a portion of the retaining element to pass therethrough.
 5. The picture frame wall bracket of claim 4, wherein the portion of the retaining element comprises a top edge of the retaining element.
 6. The picture frame wall bracket of claim 1, wherein the retaining element comprises a retaining plate that has a first face that faces the first section and the support surface and an opposite second face, wherein when the first and second components are securely mated together, the first face of the retaining plate seats against one side wall and the second face seats against the other side wall.
 7. The picture frame wall bracket of claim 6, wherein each side wall has an inwardly directed lip at a free end with the first face of the retaining plate seating against the inwardly directed lip of one side wall and the second face of the retaining plate seating against the inwardly directed lip of the other side wall.
 8. The picture frame wall bracket of claim 7, wherein the retaining plate has a bent shape defined by an intermediate bent portion between a top section and a bottom section, the top and bottom sections being at least substantially parallel to one another, wherein an upper edge of the top section is received within the slot and seats against an interior surface of the inwardly directed lip of the one side wall and an exterior surface of the other inwardly directed lip seats against the second face of the bottom section.
 9. The picture frame wall bracket of claim 8, wherein the bent portion is formed at a right angle relative to the top section and the bottom section.
 10. The picture frame wall bracket of claim 1, wherein the second section of the second component includes an intermediate section that is formed at a right angle relative to the first section and a bent end section that is formed at right angled relative to the intermediate section and is coupled to the retaining plate, the bent end section and the first section being contained within substantially parallel planes.
 11. The picture frame wall bracket of claim 10, wherein the second component comprises a single integral piece of material that is bent in two locations to form the first section and the second section.
 12. The picture frame wall bracket of claim 10, wherein the retaining element is joined to the second section at a fold line with the retaining element being folded back into adjacent contact with at least a portion of the second section.
 13. The picture frame wall bracket of claim 1, wherein the first component is attached to the rear face of the picture frame by fasteners and the second component is attached to the support surface by fasteners.
 14. The picture frame wall bracket of claim 1, wherein the second section has a length so as to space the picture frame from the support surface a sufficient distance to allow the picture frame to overlap other frames mounted directly to the same support surface so as to create a layered effect.
 15. The picture frame wall bracket of claim 1, wherein the first component is constructed for placement below an upper edge of the picture frame along the rear face.
 16. A picture frame assembly comprising: a picture frame having a rear face: a first bracket component in the form of a first plate being securely mounted to the rear face, the first plate having a pair of side walls that define an open slot formed therebetween; and a second bracket component for secure attachment to a support surface, the second component having a first section for placement against the support surface and a second section that extends outwardly from the first section, wherein the second bracket component includes a retaining plate joined to the second section, the retaining plate being configured to be received within the open slot formed in the first plate and be securely captured within the first plate by seating against the side walls and thereby mount the picture frame to the second bracket component and space the picture frame from the support surface.
 17. The picture frame assembly of claim 16, wherein the first plate is C-shaped.
 18. The picture frame assembly of claim 17, wherein the C-shaped plate has a vertical wall and a pair of spaced side walls that protrude outwardly from the vertical wall, each free end of the side wall having one inwardly directed lip, the slot being defined between the vertical wall, side walls and the inwardly directed lips.
 19. The picture frame assembly of claim 16, wherein the retaining plate has a first face that faces the first section and the support surface and an opposite second face, wherein when the first and second components are securely mated together, the first face of the retaining plate seats against one side wall and the second face seats against the other side wall.
 20. The picture frame assembly of claim 19, wherein each side wall has an inwardly directed lip at a free end with the first face of the retaining plate seating against the inwardly directed lip of one side wall and the second face of the retaining plate seating against the inwardly directed lip of the other side wall.
 21. The picture frame assembly of claim 20, wherein the retaining plate has a bent shape defined by an intermediate bent portion between a top section and a bottom section, the top and bottom sections being at least substantially parallel to one another, wherein an upper edge of the top section is received within the slot and seats against an interior surface of the inwardly directed lip of the one side wall and an exterior surface of the other inwardly directed lip seats against the second face of the bottom section.
 22. The picture frame assembly of claim 21, wherein the bent portion is formed at a right angle relative to the top section and the bottom section.
 23. The picture frame assembly of claim 16, wherein the second section has a length so as to space the picture frame from the support surface a sufficient distance to allow the picture frame to overlap other frames mounted directly to the same support surface so as to create a layered effect.
 24. A picture frame wall bracket for use with a picture frame having a rear C-shaped perimeter channel comprising: an arm component for secure attachment to a vertical support surface, the arm component having a first section for placement against the support surface and a second section that extends outwardly from the first section, wherein the arm component includes a retaining element that is joined to the second section, the retaining element being configured to be received within the rear C-shaped perimeter channel and be securely captured within the rear C-shaped perimeter channel by seating against side walls of the rear C-shaped perimeter channel and thereby mount the picture frame to the arm component and space the picture frame from the support surface. 